There are those moments to just sit back and wonder...

What will life look like in a year?  Five years?  Ten years?  Do I dare imagine 20 years from now? 

I sat in my comfy chair watching my boys from the other room, and couldn't help but to soak it in.  One sitting on the counter, admiring every word shared by a bigger brother.  One sitting on a chair challenging the one next to him to some sort of duel of knowledge just out of the line of vision from my vantage point.  One off helping the men do something outside.  I admired those 4 littler boys sitting there and going through their regular routines of "who is in charge/smartest/toughest/biggest/whatever challenge we decide today" with their little challenges of who knew the most about the latest adventure on a video game, which comic book character was strongest, and who did the most chores for the day.  Their competitive nature is hard to ignore sometimes, but it keeps them (mostly) honest...because if they don't tell on themselves, it usually isn't long before a brother will tell for them.  They have a crazy respect for one another, but also that brotherly "love".  They can often be quoted as saying "We are best friends and worst emenies" (yes, they say it wrong, but who am I to correct their little cute quirks in those moments?!?).

I wondered what will they be doing to challenge each other in the future?  What will they argue over?  Will they truly be friends?  Will they despise each other for those little quirks that often lead to spats?  I couldn't help but to laugh at the entertainment I had in front of me and soon got distracted in my day dreaming.  Back to reality with a ball hitting the chair beside my head.  The sentimental moment was over and the war was on.  Soon those boys who caused me to day dream for a few minutes had jumped back into their regular routine again and were running after one another as they headed out the door. 

I could have gotten after them for running in the house, yelling, or any of a number of things...and then I realized that instead of fussing, they gave me a gift.  A moment to treasure.  A dream to look forward to.  A plan or a bit more training.  Life isn't all wrapped up in bows and beautiful paper, but those small, tender moments have to be grabbed sometimes instead of just waiting for them to land in your lap. I am working hard to absorb those moments and catch the loving moments when I can.  Even if they may not like the camera, or even if they are camera hogs.  As you can clearly tell, I have some of both.  I couldn't get to my camera without disrupting that particular special moment, but I am learning to keep something with me at all times. 

There are angels all around us

This past several weeks, I have been stuck in a whirlwind of activity that has left this blog sorely neglected.  One party laziness, one part overwhelmed mind, one part brain fog.  You see, as an independent consultant (aka home business owner), I've gotten involved with several great circles of women who often do events together.  This group of women has been torn to shreds mentally by several of these gals being slammed with major health issues.  Two of them were diagnosed with cancer less than 2 weeks apart.  This would send many reeling, and to be honest?  Mentally, it has.  These are both vibrant, active women who live full lives.  Both have children at home yet.  It could have been devastating news, but instead?  It has become story after story of inspiration. 

No, the cancer is not gone.  There is question of whether it is even possible for it to be gone.  That part of things is terribly sad and solemn...but it is not the focus of attention.  You see, instead?  This group of women that I have been blessed to become a part of on a regular basis has linked arms and said, essentially, "we are fighting this together!".  Fund raising, sharing burdens, sharing prayers, rallying support, connecting resources, and sending words of encouragement.  This group of women who otherwise has no significant connection besides doing business together several times a month has become an inspiration.  I will say that I am a Christian, but I do not believe one has to go to church or follow a particular teacher.  I believe that it is about personal relationship and actions.  I see some amazing faith in these women who've never said a peep about church or faith.  I've seen encouragement through scripture, through actions, through genuine, unashamed love for our fellow "sisters" in business.  These women have shown themselves to be angels on earth. 

Today, I am choosing to post on my designated day of "rest" or "time off", to say I am blessed to those around me who aren't overtly church going, rule following Christians who step out and show the love of Jesus in just the right time and place as needed.  They aren't always found in a church, they don't always act as if they are regular church goers to those who follow "the rules", they may slip out a cuss word or smoke or drink, but they have their hearts where they should be...and it isn't out there for the world to see on a regular basis, but it is there.  Behind the rough edges and imperfect lives.  Right where many modern churches would say it doesn't exist. 

Phew! Did you see that?!?!

It is August 1st already and I think summer kinda ran right past us and missed us!  The weather has been so crazy here, we are up so late at night that we end up sleeping late in the mornings.  I feel like my head is spinning some days just trying to get it all done. I just keep reminding myself to try to soak it all in before the world looks like this again:

Living in the north, that could be next week!  Ok, so not really, but it feels that way sometimes.  Last week there was a frost advisory in our region, so it is coming faster than we'd like.